News Article

Also New ISO Standard for E-Bikes to Come

BAD SODEN, Germany – Like with regular bicycles also the safety standards for e-bikes are being globalized. However, as the ones for bicycles are already in force the global standards for electric bikes still have a long way to go before they are there. The question is also which e-bike categories are to be covered by the new ISO standards?

At the China International Bicycle & Motor Fair which will be held from May 6 – 9, 2016 in Shanghai, further talks will take place on the new ISO standard for e-bikes which will replace EN 15194. Bike Europe asked CEN TC 333 Chairman Siegfried Neuberger whether this new standard is to be limited to the 25 km/h e-bike or will it include the 45 km/h speed e-bikes as well?

25 km/h and 250 Watt e-bikes only

“We are only at the beginning of the discussions for an ISO standard on e-bikes,” said Neuberger. “The aim is to include everything that’s not covered by the European type approval regulation. In that situation we are talking about the 25 km/h and 250 Watt e-bikes only. We have to take into consideration the differences in this product category in Europe, America and Asia. Just think about the 20 miles limit in the US, let alone the current regulations in Asia. First we have to create a clear structure to include all the different categories.”

Time frame for ISO standard for e-bikes

When the ISO standard for e-bikes will come is very difficult to say, said Neuberger who continued, “We are currently working on the revision of the EN 15194 standard for electrically power assisted cycles (EPAC). As Europe currently drives the global EPAC market, the final draw of EN 15194 will be the basis of the new ISO work tough we should not start it all over again.

We agree to our Japanese colleagues to develop a new part 10 of the ISO 4210. This means we would not have to redefine everything again for e.g. frames, forks and handlebars as the requirements and test-methods are already described in ISO 4210 part 1 to 9. In my point of view it will take minimum another two years to finalize this ISO 4210 part 10 for EPAC. It will include also 25 km/h e-MTBs and other specific 250Watt categories.”

EN 15194 reviewed

Currently the EN standard for e-bikes is being reviewed. That’s because, as Neuberger said, “EN 15194 is not in compliance with the Machinery Directive which is European legislation for EPAC since 2010. EN 15194 was published in 2007 and at the beginning it was not obvious if the scope of the Machinery Directive would include e-bikes.

Once that was clear we started the revision but the problem was the lack of reliable test data. The data is now available and the draft currently reviewed. All the comments on the draft standard will be discussed this November in Brussels. Hopefully the reviewed version of EN 15194 will be published in autumn 2016.”

Changes in reviewed EN 15194

In order for e-bike makers as well as e-bike system makers to prepare on the changes in Siegfried Neuberger said in the Bike Europe interview, “The biggest changes in the new EN 15194 will be the inclusion of strength test requirements. The standard will only cover city-/trekking e-bikes, but with special test forces for the most important components like e.g. frames, forks, handlebars and saddles. It is important, that these higher test forces are applied. Everybody who wants to find out more can already acquire the draft version.

The CEN TC 333 working group 5 will discuss a transitional period after the publication at the meeting in November, but it’s not yet decided for how long.”